I sneak out of work mid-day to celebrate the sun with a hike. I searched the AllTrails site for a hike in the foothills but the recent reviews have all indicated snow, lots of mud and/or large puddles. Nah, I'm heading to Antelope Island to hike Frary Peak.
As I sit waiting to enter the gate, I see a few white butterflies flying off the side of the road! First bflies of my year!
And I see a Northern Harrier flying (and calling) by.
Not far on the other side of the gate, there's a Kestrel perched.
Still Gulls, Grebes, Coots, and Shovelers along the causeway.
And tons of midges -- too many swirling tornadoes of midges to count. I feel sorry for the folks on bikes driving thru the hoards of insects. (And I can because I know what my windshield looks like.)
I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.
Surprise, right behind the Visitor's Center is a herd of Pronghorn!
I continue south, passing a small group of bison on the ground just before the White Rock ridge.
The remaining drive is quiet until after the Frary Homestead.....the bison Moms and babies have finally moved to the east side of the island!!
They are in the distance along the shoreline.
I continue to the Ranch to see if there is any animals visible over there - none.
On the way back, I spot a lone Pronghorn on the opposite side of the road but almost across from the bison. And the bison herd is moving north.
I make my way to the Frary Peak trail head and start up the trail. Man this is steep!
Lots of yellow Parsley and pink Redstem Stork flowers.
And great views.
I see a butterfly -- I don't get a good look but I think it's a Milbert's Tortoiseshell
I'm up the first of many hills in 3/4 of a mile as I reach the ridge line.
Great views to the west
and into White Rock Valley (there's a few bison down there!)
As I cross, I find Paintbrush in bloom.
Also, Lupine emerging from the soil and Vetch.
I'm thru the rock tunnel
And up a hill with Lupine (not in bloom) and other flowers
I can see my destination ahead.
Many wonderful views to the east
And west.
And I'm excited to find Yellow Bells!
At one point, I step off the trail to let a trail runner and his dog go by. The runner goes by and his dog (a Golden Retriever with a thick coat of winter fur) slowly makes his way towards me. He looks tired. When he reaches me, he stops and sits in front of me. And I pet him. After a bit, he continues on. But it's not too much farther, the dog stops again. When I reach him, I pet him. I feel sorry for him. :( I don't understand why people take their dogs on 7 miles runs with 2000 ft of elevation.
When the owner turns, I tell him I think he's hot and thirsty. He waters his dog. Then then slowly continue up the trail. I hope that dog doesn't overheat.
I continue along to the final hill. There are tons of Spring Beauties all the way to the top.
I stop to check up my destination the Radio Tower and Frary Peak in the background.
Up one last hill
and I'm here!
And I sit to enjoy the moment!
After a bit it's time to head down.
Almost back!
Awesome day!
